105

Odin's Blessing

As Hela's words echoed, everyone except Hodr, who was blind, cast envious glances towards Forseti.

During the battle with the giant dragon, Forseti's strategic strikes against Skadi's forces had been pivotal, and he endured significant wounds in the process. His contribution was unquestionably the greatest, deserving of additional rewards.

After bidding farewell to the others, only Hela and Forseti remained in the room.

"Come with me, Paladin," Hela smiled, leading Forseti towards a small side door.

Forseti was surprised but followed quickly.

Internally, he wondered about the destination, only to be astonished when Hela led him directly to Odin.

"Lord Odin," Forseti saluted hastily.

Odin nodded warmly, stepping forward to clap Forseti on the shoulder. "Forseti Garrison, you've performed admirably. The victory in this hunting festival is largely due to you."

Forseti responded modestly, "You overestimate my contributions, my lord. I merely did my duty."

Odin chuckled, "Asgard rewards valor. You have achieved the foremost merit in the Hunting Festival and also rescued Hela in Jotunheim. You deserve my reward."

Forseti's anticipation grew.

"Step forward," Odin's expression turned serious as he beckoned.

Forseti complied.

Odin placed his hand on Forseti's head, a glowing palm covering his body.

Forseti felt a rush of powerful, unfamiliar energy coursing through him, filling him with warmth and strength.

Odin spoke slowly, "I, Odin Borson, bestow upon you my blessing. May fate favor you, brave soul."

Forseti stood in stunned silence for a moment before realization set in.

Odin's blessing!

The significant difference between divine power and conventional abilities lay in the application of divine blessings, akin to applying buffs.

As Asgard's preeminent deity, Odin wielded potent celestial power. His blessing was a cherished gift, surpassing material wealth and even enchanted weapons.

Clearly, bestowing such divine blessings wasn't a simple matter for Odin. He exhaled deeply before continuing, "This blessing of fate will afford you a chance to prevail in dire situations and increases the likelihood of awakening your own divine potential."

So this is a divine empowerment.

Could this herald the awakening of my own divine powers and the pinnacle of my existence? Forseti couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement.

After a pause, Odin inquired, "Forseti, I've heard you possess a unique holy light magic. Would you demonstrate it for me?"

Forseti hesitated briefly but then summoned the holy light, allowing it to radiate from his palm.

Odin observed the holy light intently before nodding in approval. "I sense justice and valor in this power. I believe you will become a revered hero."

Finally, Odin added, "In three days, there will be a ceremony to honor the sacrifice of the giant dragon. I expect your presence there."

Forseti and Hela departed together, conversing intermittently on their way.

"By the way, Your Highness Hela, would you be interested in raising a wolf cub?" Forseti asked.

"A wolf cub?" Hela inquired.

"I came across a wolf cub recently—the offspring of that giant wolf. It's exceptionally talented. However, with my duties to Shilute, I fear I may not have the energy to raise another cub," Forseti explained.

Hela mused, "If it troubles you between Shilute and the cub, it must be no ordinary wolf."

Forseti nodded, "Indeed, this young wolf displays remarkable courage, far surpassing others of its kind. It was born without a cry, bearing the spirit of a wolf king."

Hela hesitated briefly, then agreed, "I've never kept animals before... Very well, bring it here, and I shall see."

"Very well."

At that moment, Jord approached from afar. "Mother," Hela greeted respectfully.

Forseti also greeted her promptly, "Lady Jorde."

Jorde, Odin's current wife and Hela's mother, smiled warmly, tousling Hela's hair as they exchanged pleasantries. Then, noticing Forseti, she asked, "Did Odin bestow his blessing upon you?"

"Forseti aided me greatly during the hunting festival. Without him, the outcome could have been quite different," Hela explained.

Jord nodded without further comment, offering Forseti a polite smile before proceeding to find Odin.

To be frank, Forseti hadn't formed a favorable impression of Jord during their brief encounter. He sensed a lack of warmth, unlike Frigga's gentle and gracious demeanor. It was no wonder Odin had chosen differently...

Inside the room, Jorde wasted no time, questioning as soon as she entered, "You bestowed a blessing upon that boy?"

"Yes, is there an issue? I find him quite exceptional and believe he may awaken his powers," Odin responded, his tone slightly defensive—a sign of the strained relationship between them.

Jord huffed, "I sense deceit in that child. Clearly, he harbors intentions toward my daughter."

Odin chuckled, "Many in the Nine Realms admire Hela. Isn't that to be expected?"

"Honestly, if only he were taller, he might have been a suitable match for my daughter. Alas, he lacks the stature to match her," Jord lamented.

...

Forseti returned to Eir's abode, finding her absent.

Upon his return, he eagerly accessed the Sanctuary's lottery system, curious about the effects of Odin's blessing.

Result: **Thank you for your patronage.**

Forseti: "..."

Just a stroke of bad luck, perhaps.

Result: **Thank you for your patronage. Thank you for your patronage. Thank you for your patronage.**

"..." Forseti felt the urge to flip the table.

Damn it, I'm the recipient of Odin's fate blessing, supposedly favored by fate. Shouldn't I at least receive a fragment of the Holy Shield technique?

Gathering himself, he continued to draw lots, but despite his divine blessing, luck continued to evade him. Dozens of attempts yielded nothing of real value.

Forseti fell silent, lost in thought.

Could it be that Odin's power has no influence over the Holy Tome?

If Odin hadn't tricked him, that would be the only logical explanation.

After all, the power of the holy deed stemmed from the sacred light. As a cosmic force of equal standing, it might rival the infinite might of odin force. It made sense that Odin's influence wouldn't extend to it.

Forseti sighed inwardly and drew a few more lots.

Result: **Standard Space Grid. Thank you for your patronage. Book of Experience: High Inquisitor Whitemane!**

Forseti's eyes widened as he quickly flipped through the pages.

**Book of Experience: High Inquisitor Whitemane**

**Experience Level: Level 5**

It turned out to be the experience book of Whitemane, one of the most prominent female characters in the World of Warcraft universe.

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